Dow is currently expanding its production facilities on the Gulf Coast in Freeport, Texas and Plaquemine, Louisiana with its Gulfstream Program.

Fluor is performing the very significant portion of the program on the Oyster Creek site.

Fluor’s scope consists of a Propylene Dehydrogenization (PDH) unit, the Power, Utilities, & Infrastructure (PUI) scope, and a state of the art Light-Hydrocarbon (LHC-9) unit. Fluor will leverage its proven processes to recruit a large number of direct-hire craft and construction management staff to build the facility.

Client's Challenge

Dow’s expansion in Freeport is part of a multi-billion dollar plan that takes advantage of the low prices of shale gas feedstock. The PDH asset project is being developed via licensed propane dehydrogenation technology. At completion, the plant will be capable of producing 750,000 tons / year of polymer grade propylene from propane. The LHC-9 ethylene cracker will have a capacity of 1.5 million tons per year and be able to use both ethane and propane as feedstock. As part of the program Fluor is also performing EPC for the associated power, utilities and infrastructure facility upgrades to support each unit. Currently in progress at the Dow Oyster Creek Facility, the Gulfstream program utilizes the existing infrastructure of Dow’s largest site – one of the largest integrated chemical manufacturing complexes in the world.

Fluor's Solution

Fluor is performing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the new facilities, and will utilize a direct-hire craft staffing strategy for construction. Fluor is executing the expansion by leveraging established processes in staff and craft recruiting strategies while staying ahead of craft availability challenges as the U.S. Gulf Coast region expands. As part of an integrated approach, the project is utilizing AMECO for construction equipment and tools. In addition to this strategy, Fluor’s office in the Philippines is also providing engineering support for the project, in order to maximize time differences and trained personnel to execute the design of the project around the clock.

Conclusion

Fluor is applying its long history of mega-project success, along with innovative solutions designed for the project, to complete the challenge. Nearly 4,000 home office, construction management and craft personnel are expected to be involved on the project at its peak. Mechanical completion is expected in 2015 for the PDH facility and 2016 for the LHC-9 facility.